AYSCOUGH, Florence Wheelock

Born 1878, Shanghai, China; died 24 April 1942, Chicago, Illinois

Daughter of Thomas Reed and Edith Haswell Clark Wheelock; married Harley Farnsworth MacNair, 1935

Florence Wheelock Ayscough lived with her parents in China until she was nine years old, and then made her first trip to America to attend school in Boston. Subsequently she returned to China, delved into a study of China's history and civilization and learned the Chinese language.

One of Ayscough's earliest publications, Fir-Flower Tablets (1921), is a translation of the Chinese poetry she so much admired. The polished translation was done with the help of her cherished friend, Amy Lowell. Friendly Books on Far Cathay (1921) is basically a compiled bibliography for young students but it also includes a brief summary of Chinese history. Most of Ayscough's later writings were similarly devoted to young readers. A Chinese Mirror: Being Reflections of the Reality Behind Appearance (1925), gives an informal and easy-to-read description of China's topography, social life, and customs. More specifically, it discusses the significance and symbolism of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers; of Tien Shan, the Great Mountain; and of the Purple Forbidden City. In addition to these descriptions, which may seem exotic to young American readers, Ayscough also describes such common sights as the gardens, city walls, and moats.

One of Ayscough's most thoroughly reviewed books is Chinese Women, Yesterday and Today (1937). Here she contrasts the women of old China with those of the 1930s. Again she gives an informal and charming description of Chinese culture; her intent, she explains, is to create for American readers a sense of identification and appreciation for peoples of other lands. Another important work is Firecracker Land: Pictures of the Chinese World for Young Readers (1932), in which Ayscough shares her personal experiences of China as well as the wealth of information that she has acquired. She expresses the hope that by telling of China's great traditions and modern way of life she would cultivate a feeling of friendship between China and America.

After Ayscough's death, letters of tribute and other memorabilia were compiled in The Incomparable Lady, edited lovingly by Harley Farnsworth MacNair.

Other Works:

Liu, Sung Fu: Catalogue of Chinese Paintings Ancient and Modern by Famous Masters (1915). The Autobiography of a Chinese Dog Edited by His Missus (1927). Tu Fu, the Autobiography of a Chinese Poet, A.D. 712-770 (edited and translated by Ayscough, 1929-1934).

Bibliography:

Damon, S. F., Amy Lowell. MacNair, H. F., The Incomparable Lady (1946).

—PATRICIA LANGHALS